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Forsaken
By Jeffrey M. Anderson,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Violent but well-acted western for Kiefer Sutherland fans.
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Forsaken
Community Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Great western
What's the Story?
Ex-gunslinger John Henry Clayton (Kiefer Sutherland) returns home after fighting in the Civil War, only to discover that his mother has passed away, and his sweetheart (Demi Moore) has married another man. Clayton's stern father, the town preacher (Donald Sutherland), frowns on his son's life choices, so Clayton goes about honoring his late mother's wish and starts clearing a field for planting. Unfortunately, a ruthless businessman (Brian Cox) is trying to buy up all the nearby land and has resorted to intimidation to do it, hiring the deadly Gentleman Dave Turner (Michael Wincott) and a band of nasty killers to push people around. At first Clayton turns the other cheek, but there's only so far a man can be pushed before he fights back.
Is It Any Good?
Though it borrows liberally from the classic Shane and doesn't really offer anything new, this lowkey Western still works, thanks to patient storytelling and a batch of strong performances. Emmy winner Jon Cassar, who directed Kiefer Sutherland in the hit TV series 24, is at the helm and allows for many potent, touching scenes of character interaction that subtly strengthen the drama. Wincott is especially good as a three-dimensional bad guy with both a history and a moral compass.
Speaking of history, it helps that there's a lot here. FORSAKEN marks the first time that Kiefer and Donald Sutherland have played father and son in a movie, and Kiefer and Moore reunite for the first time since 1992's A Few Good Men. Not to mention that seeing the younger Sutherland back in the saddle recalls his Young Guns films. He's older now, and his face has plenty of character; with little dialogue, he effortlessly carries his scenes. Even as the plot slowly heads toward the inevitable, it's not hard to care.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Forsaken's violence. Is it intended to be thrilling or shocking? What's the difference? How did the filmmakers achieve this? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How are bullies dealt with in the movie? Are these methods admirable, questionable, or both?
What's the appeal (or non-appeal) of the Western genre?
What's the relationship between father and son like in the movie? What ideas or beliefs have come between them? Are these things resolved? If so, how?
Why has the main character chosen nonviolence? Why can't he stick to that path?
Movie Details
- In theaters: February 19, 2016
- On DVD or streaming: March 29, 2016
- Cast: Kiefer Sutherland , Donald Sutherland , Demi Moore
- Director: Jon Cassar
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Momentum Pictures
- Genre: Western
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: violence and some language
- Last updated: June 19, 2023
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